Sarah wrote:
>>I have been asked to do some cutting & sewing for a National Historic Site,>
>>which I have done before, but this time they are asking for a copy of my>
>>patterns for the archives. This one is a new one on me.<<
I'd want more information, but I doubt I'd give away my pattern set. The
costuming I've done for historic sites has been for specific figures, which
means an "archive" copy is useless to them--it would fit *only* the figure it
was drafted for or draped on, so it wouldn't be useful for handing off to
another (cheaper) sewist to make up for others, nor for sending off to have
patterns bootlegged/published, nor for making up generic costume shop items.
Before pricing the work, I'd want to know more about the "archives." Is it a
file drawer of documentation on each piece? If so, I'd be willing to do a
documentation packet for each garment, noting specific sources consulted,
techniques used, any compromises with historic accuracy and the
justification/thought process behind them, etc. That would add a few hours
labor to the cost of the work.
I might also be willing to put together a list of currently published patterns
out there that would give *similar* ending garments, if such exists. Again, at
my normal hourly rate.
If they're wanting to use the patterns for future sewing work (done by me or by
others), then it's a different ballgame. I'm not being hired as a sewist--I'm
being asked to design patterns, and give them a license to reproduce them as
they wish. That sort of license would come at a Very High Price from me, as
I'd have very little control over the finished items after the patterns left my
hands, and the potential for abuse of my work is huge. Pattern making is a
different specialty than sewing. As someone "buying" a pattern set from a
drafter (the site is the buyer), I'd be wanting multi-size, fully graded things
that would work for multiple people. Pretty different project from making a
few one-off pieces for unique figures!
If I *was* okay with turning over my proprietary work (regardless of price),
I'd want to know what's expected... the base shapes alone are not going to do
someone much good without instructions, illustrations, construction sequencing,
pattern markings, seam allowances, notes on the pieces that aren't on oaktag
(such as skirts, bias bindings, most facings, etc)...
There are So Many Variables here. Would it be possible to ask for more
specifics on what they're wanting "archived?" That might make all the
difference in the decision process.
Regards,
Elizabeth Clark
http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com
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